San Francisco 49ers: Complete 2011 Starter Predictions for Offense and Defense

Well Niner fans, it appears football is back if you can believe it. Not sure I can fully grasp the idea anymore, but assuming everyone continues to play nicely and no one gets their feelings hurt, the NFL should be back in business this week. So what does that mean for our team?

In basic terms, it means new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh can start coaching, and General Manager Trent Baalke can start developing a team for him to coach. And although many familiar faces will remain in San Francisco (for better or worse), we can expect a few new players in starting roles.

Here is my attempt to tell the future and predict who will be starting on Offense and Defense for the 49ers come September.

I look forward to finding out how wrong I am very soon, and how wrong some of you think I am even sooner. 

Thank you for reading. Please join me on Twitter @ryanthebroker.

Right Defensive End

Right Defensive End

Starter - Justin Smith

Justin Smith was named second alternate to the 2010 Pro Bowl. We can be sure to see him back in action as a starting defensive end in 2011.

Last year Smith had 70 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. 

Players like Justin make this easy.

Left Defensive End

Left Defensive End 

Starter - Ray McDonald

Although Ray McDonald is a free agent this year, I Imagine the 49ers will look to re-sign him. 

Mcdonald struggled slightly in 2010 with only 19 tackles last year and zero sacks. Despite that, Ray does have tons of potential. Compared to any alternatives, and for the price, McDonald will be high on the 49ers re-sign list as soon as free agency opens up. 

Nose Tackle

Nose Tackle

Starter - Aubrayo Franklin or Isaac Sopoaga

Now this is the one re-sign I am doubting the most. Although I don't think there is a better NT available, I am not sure if the 49ers will shell-out the huge pay day that Aubrayo is sure to want. 

If the 49ers can not convince Aubrayo to return, I see Isaac Sopaga moving over to Nose in all 3-4 sets.

Right Defensive Tackle

Right Defensive Tackle

Starter - Isaac Sopoaga 

After Justin Smith, I would say Isaac is the definite number two on San Francisco's line. In a year or so, he may be number one.

Last year Isaac had 25 Tackles and 1.5 Sacks. 

Look for big things from Isaac this year.

Left Defensive Tackle

Left Defensive Tackle 

Starter - Ian Williams 

Ian Williams is an Undrafted Rookie Free Agent from Notre Dame and yes it is a bold prediction to assume the 49ers want him, will get him, and that he will end up starting. But, that's what I am doing.

Got to be bold sometimes, right?

The truth is, many are surprised that Ian went undrafted and scouts have good things to say about him. If the 49ers can grab him, he may have a chance to compete for a starting spot in San Francisco.

Right Outside Linebacker

Right Outside Linebacker 

Starter - Aldon Smith

Although Aldon Smith is a young rookie, he is also the 49ers first pick in the 2011 draft and the 7th overall. When someone is drafted 7th overall, he is expected to contribute early. 

Look for Coach Harbaugh to rotate defensive packages in order to not overwhelm the young rookie, but he will start. Hopefully he will be able to make a quick transition to the pros.

Left Outside Linebacker

Left Outside Linebacker 

Starter - Manny Lawson

Manny Lawson is a free agent but the 49ers will try and re-sign him. 

Manny is a fan favorite and looks like he will only improve from here.

Last year he had 59 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 1 Interception.

My hope is that they resign him before he goes somewhere else and becomes our nightmare.

Inside Linebacker One

Inside Linebacker One 

Starter - Patrick Willis

What did you think I was going to say?

An explanation is not necessary for the best Linebacker in the NFL.

Inside Linebacker Two

Inside Linebacker Two

Starter - Takeo Spikes

I believe the 49ers will re-sign Takeo Spikes. Takeo has been a solid contributor for the 49ers since joining the team. 

Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes was the best linebacker duo in the game last year.

Takeo is also part of the veteran leadership on the team. As reflected by his appointment as player representative. 

Spikes will hopefully be back. If not, Navarro Bowman looks like he is ready to step in.

Free Safety

Free Safety 

Starter - Dashon Goldson

Dashon Goldson wasn't perfect last year but he did show glimpses of awesomeness. 

The hard-hitting Goldson is a free agent but Trent Baalke is on record saying he will be the number one priority once free agency is open for biz.

Unless he gets too greedy, Goldson will be back.

Strong Safety

Strong Safety

Starter - Taylor Mays

Taylor Mays is a freaky athlete. His talent is ridiculous. Last year I believe he was thrown to the wolves a little too early. This year, I have a feeling he will be the wolf.

Unless the 49ers can convince Nate Clements to take a pay cut and slide over to SS, Taylor Mays has the best chance of starting at safety.

Cornerback One

Corner Back One

Starter - Jonathan Joseph or Josh Wilson

Currently, Nate Clements is in contract to play for the 49ers in 2011. Unfortunately for the 49ers and for Nate, last years play and this years income don't add up.

Nate was burnt again and again last year. And yes the lack of pass rush contributed, but unless Baalke and Harbaugh can convince Nate to take a huge pay cut and or slide over to strong safety, I believe the 49ers will release him. 

Therefore, the 49ers will need to pick up a strong DB in Free Agency. Look for them to grab the 2nd or 3rd best corner available. I believe that is Jonathan Joseph from Cincinnati, or Josh Wilson from Baltimore.

Cornerback Two

Cornerback Two

Starter - Shawntae Spencer

Although nothing good really happened in the defensive backfield for the 49ers last year, Shawntae Spencer did prove himself worthy of the number two spot.

With a thin and inexperienced unit, look for him to start again this year.

Center

Center

Starter - David Baas

With Eric Heitmann missing another year due to injury, David Baas is a good option. Unfortunately, Bass is a free agent and the 49ers will need to re-sign him as well.

It has also been rumored that Stanford undrafted center Chase Beeler may have a chance to join the 49ers, but his chances of starting are very slim. The biggest concern with Beeler is his size. Not a tiny guy, but he is small in comparison to most NFL Centers.  

I imagine Baas will be back.

Left Guard

Left Guard

Starter - Mike Iupati

In Mike Iupati's rookie year he showed 49er fans why he was drafted so high. 

Look for Iupati to have a long and successful career in San Francisco.

No question he will start.

Right Guard

Right Guard

Starter - Chilo Rachal

Pro Football Focus rates Chilo Rachal as the best run-blocking right guard in football last season. 

Although his pass protection was less than perfect, with his run blocking ability, Chilo will be back to start for the 49ers.

Left Tackle

Left Tackle

Starter - Joe Staley

Veteran and O-line leader, Joe Staley is sure to return as starter for the 49ers. 

Look for Joe to have another solid year in San Francisco.

Right Tackle

Right Tackle

Starter - Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis had a hard time in his rookie season. 

Despite his disappointing performance, Davis has all the potential in the world. Rumor has it he worked hard over the off season and is in better shape this year.

If he can develop himself mentally as well as he has physically, he could have a great year.

Tight End

Tight End

Starter - Vernon Davis

Similar to Patrick Willis, there is no reason to explain Vernon Davis. Davis is the best tight end in the game. Look for Vernon, Delanie Walker, and Nate Byham to dominate once again.

The tight end is the most talented position on the 49ers and nothing new is needed here.

Fullback

Full Back

Starter - Anthony Dixon and Bruce Miller

Like Harbaugh and Baalke, I believe Bruce Miller has the talent to be one hell-of-a fullback. Look for him to share time with the bulked-up Anthony Dixon as he learns how to play the offense.

I can't wait to see No. 49 punch one in and hear Candlestick erupt in, "Bruuuuuuuuuce."

Running Back

Running Back

Starter - Frank Gore

Frank Gore has recovered from his season-ending hip injury and is ready to return for the 2011 season. If Gore can continue to produce as he has in the past, this year will be the year he becomes the greatest running back in the history of the organization.

Look for Harbaugh to mix it up and relieve some pressure off of Gores' shoulders by playing Anthony Dixon and rookie Kendall Hunter.

Wide Receiver One

Wide Receiver One

Starter - Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree has definitely had his struggles since being drafted in San Francisco. From his hold-out to his sub-par play, Crabtree has a way to go before he lives up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted.

I am confident Michael Crabtree will reach closer to his potential this year and will shine in 2012 as he gets closer to his free agency. Effort always seems to be plentiful in the last years of contracts.

Look for him to start at the first wider receiver spot again.

Wide Receiver Two

Wide Receiver Two

Starter - Josh Morgan

Josh Morgan has been alright. Nothing amazing, but consistent. I am curious to see how he will perform with better quarterback play.

Morgan also seems to be a good team mate and has a great attitude. Which is more important that people admit. 

Look for him to start at the 2nd receiver spot again this year.

Wide Receiver Three

Wide Receiver Three 

Starter - Ronald Johnson

Now this one is tricky. Predicting who the 3rd receiver will be is tough. It really could be a number of players. Last year it was mostly Ginn lined up in the slot, but his hands seemed absent.

Dominique Zeigler is a promising young talent but can't seem to run a route with out getting injured.

Ronald Johnson seems a bit injury prone as well, but the coaches couldn't speak highly enough about the guy. Maybe they sold me, but I have a good feeling about Ronald Johnson. 

It also doesn't hurt that his WR Coach on the 49ers was his WR Coach in college. Look for him to start.

Quarterback

Quarterback

Starter: Alex Smith 

Despite the fact that I admittedly unfairly associate all things negative in San Francisco with Alex Smith, I think it is smart to let him deal with a majority of the chaos in the beginning of the season. 

As frustrated as I am, and as much as I would never like to see Smith behind center in San Francisco again, it is unfair to toss a rookie out there as a week one starter this year.

In a normal year I would disagree, but this year, Colin Kaepernick just hasn't had enough time with Coach Harbaugh.

My honest opinion: Alex Smith will start week one, but Colin will be in for several plays a game. The threat of his run will draw defenses in, and they will not expect him to go deep as most will initially underestimate his passing game. 

Through these opportunities on the field, I believe it will become apparent that Colin Kaepernicks' talent is far superior to Alex Smith's. By the end of the year, Colin will take over as starter. 

I am sure no one disagrees.

Thank you for reading. Please join me on Twitter   @ryanthebroker.